Chapter 19: Adventures across the narrow sea 7
The winds of the Dothraki Sea whispered of new beginnings as Daeron guided the group westward, leaving behind the bloodstained plains where Daena and her companions had made their stand.
Acnologia, his immense dragon, flew overhead, its shadow casting an imposing figure over the caravan. The sight awed Daena and her retainers, though they tried not to show it. Daeron asked him to fly ahead and scare any dothraki tribes to clear a path for them. Not knowing his actions will give birth to a new legend among the dothrakis about the 'Great fire breathing monster that is sent to punish them'.
Daeron rode at the head of the group, keeping an easy pace. Daena, now riding a borrowed horse, kept close to him. Zhao Yun and the remaining guards stayed vigilant, their gazes sweeping the horizon for any threats.
"So, what's Pentos like?" Daena asked, breaking the silence.
"Peaceful, if you don't look too closely," Daeron replied with a smirk. "It's a city of merchants and intrigues, where gold speaks louder than swords. I've made it mine, though I suspect you'll find it lacking compared to the splendor of Yi Ti."
Daena gave him a sidelong glance. "Splendor means little when it's built on betrayal. Your Pentos sounds more honest than my home."
"Honest is a stretch," Daeron admitted with a chuckle. "But it's mine, and it could be yours too, if you're interested in a fresh start."
She didn't respond immediately, her violet eyes gazing toward the horizon. "A fresh start… I'm not sure that's possible. Not while my family tears itself apart."
Daeron nodded, understanding the weight of legacy better than most. "Then let's start small. Survive. Build strength. And when the time is right, we'll decide what to do with the past."
After a brief pause, Daena asked," So, you never told me why you took a new name rather than the Targaryen name. Wouldn't that be what anybody want? A royal prince and a dragon rider?"
Daeron laughed loudly and replied while still wheezing, " You think they would just let the bastard who will have a claim to the throne get legitimized, specially one with the strongest dragon ?"
He paused and replied seriously, " I never knew my parents. I was raised in orphanage with shitty food and even shittier tratment. My father, Aemon Targaryen, I don't even know if he loved me or knew much about me. My mother, I don't even know who she is. My sister, Princess Rhaenys cared for me , but if I stayed in Westeros, it would be detrimental for both her and myself, as there would be unnecessary rumors about her using me to usurp the king. Not to mention the the trreatment of bastards in Westeros.
In fact, I don't even want to start a war for now, they can do it well on their own. I just want to live my life the way I want to , while protecting the ones who matter to me. Maybe even prevent some bad stuff. But the world won't leave me be, so I have do everything in power to carve a dynasty of my own, rather than piggy backing on another empire like Tywin.
I never counted myself as a Targaryen, so I'll be freaking Daeron Penndragon, the greatest that ever was , with my own efforts!" He finshed with a dramatic bow.
Daena chuckled and replied, " You really are an interesting person Daeron. I'm glad I was able to meet someone like you."
Daeron then asked, "and what about you? What's your plan for the near future?"
She just shook her head and replied, " I am just a princess without any kingdom. I don't know what I'll do. I spent my life trying to figure out the secret fire magic of my ancestors, maybe hatch this egg and live my own life, like you.
I got the chance to live, but not in the way I imagined. I guess I'll have to find out for myself." She sighed softly.
Daeron just noddeds and patted her head gently, making her raise a questioning eyebrow.
" I heard this calms people down. I hope I didn't do it worng." Daeron shrugged.
"No, it's okay. Feels nice." Daena muttered quietly while turning her face away.
Zhao Yun who was watching this from the sidelines muttered, " This guy is too smooth. I have to keep an eye on for him."
Their journey continued without major incident, though Daena's curiosity about Acnologia grew. One evening, as the group rested near a rocky outcrop, she approached Daeron as he prepared for the night.
"Your dragon," she began hesitantly, "does it… does it respond to your will? Could it… awaken another?"
Her gaze dropped to the dragon egg cradled in her arms.
Daeron's expression turned thoughtful. "Acnologia isn't like other dragons. He's… something older, more powerful. But I can ask the big guy."
Daena hesitated before bowing . "Please. If it's possible…"
The following evening, Daeron stood before Acnologia, who rested lazily near the campfire, his massive wings folded against his sides. The dragon's eyes glowed faintly in the dark, a reminder of his ancient, untamed nature.
"Acnologia," Daeron began, his voice steady. "This egg—can you help it hatch?" He gestured toward Daena, who stepped forward cautiously with the egg in her hands.
The great dragon tilted his head, studying her and the egg with an inscrutable gaze. His expression was weird, as if saying, I'm a dude, not a lady dragon!
Then, without warning, he reared back and unleashed a torrent of blue fire directly at Daena and the egg.
"Daena!" Daeron shouted, reaching for FrostMourne, but before he could act, the flames started swirling around Daena. Zhao Yun also leapt to his feet and rushed at her.
It was mesmerizing. The fire danced like a living thing, wrapping around her body and the egg. Her silver hair glowed in the fiery light, and her violet eyes burned with an inner flame. She gasped, clutching the egg as the fire seemed to seep into her skin.
"I feel it," she whispered, her voice trembling with awe. "The fire, it feels alive! I can sense a connection with it! "
Daeron remarked with a curious look, " Are you a fire bender or something? Hope you don't get the scar like Zuko."
Daena ingored his words and looked at the dragon egg. The egg in her hands cracked, and a piercing screech filled the air. From within, a small female dragon emerged, its scales glistening like molten silver streaked with veins of vivid blue. It looked as if the stars were shining.
The creature looked at Daena, her eyes mirroring her own, and let out a soft cry. Daena fell to her knees, cradling the hatchling, smiling with tears of joy. Flames still flickered around her hands, yet she bore no burns. Instead, she seemed... transformed. A faint aura of heat surrounded her, and her every breath carried a whisper of power.
Daeron approached cautiously, his eyes wide with astonishment. "What just happened?"
Zhao Yun, equally stunned, stepped forward. "It's her blood," he said reverently. "The blood of Baelaerys. She's awakened the fire magic of her ancestors. Fire didn't harm her from childhood, but now it bends to her will. "
Daena looked up at Daeron, her expression a mix of wonder and determination. "Our fire burns eternal," she said, her voice steady. "The legacy of Valyria lives on."
Daeron knelt beside her, his smirk returning. "Well, Princess, it seems you're full of surprises. Welcome to the dragon rider club. We don't have cookies though."
Daena looked at him gently, and softly spoke, " You have given me more than I ever dreamed of, Daeron. I swear upon my valyrian blood, you will have my unconditional support till the day I die."
As the silver and blue dragon perched on Daena's shoulder, letting out a triumphant screech, Daeron couldn't help but feel that their alliance was destined for greatness. The journey to Pentos would now be the beginning of something far greater than either of them had imagined.
The city of Pentos shimmered on the horizon, its spires and domes gilded by the afternoon sun.
A few days later, Daeron, seated atop Acnologia, guided the massive dragon to circle lazily over the city as Daena and her companions watched in awe from their smaller mounts.
Beside Daeron, the newly-hatched Albion perched on Daena's shoulder, her silver and blue scales glistening like moonlit water. The young dragon chirped occasionally, its sapphire eyes wide with curiosity as it clung to its newfound bondmate.
"We're home," Daeron said, his voice filled with a sense of pride as Acnologia landed gracefully in the courtyard of his expansive Pentosi mansion. Servants and guards, clad in the colors of his banner, scrambled to greet their Prince . People outside cheered as they realized their prince had returned.
" Long live Prince Daeron!"
" Darling, the prince is back! Let's have a feast tonight."
" Daddy look, it's the prince ! Is that the princess with him? She looks pretty."
" What a shame! Our little prince has already found a woman! I feel heatbroken."
Daena dismounted with poise, her silver hair glowing in the sunlight. Albion hopped from her shoulder and let out a small, adorable roar, startling the gathered crowd. The dragon's display, despite its small size, quickly reminded everyone of the power and legacy that its presence symbolized.
"Impressive place," Daena remarked, gazing at the sprawling estate surrounded by manicured gardens and fortified walls.
"It serves," Daeron replied with a smirk.
"So, a prince huh? And judging by their words, you are quite popular."
Daeron chuckled, " The merchants here could also claim the title. So I guess people just wanted to show me their respect. Everyone loves a charming prince after all."
Daena looked at amused and asked, " And who does the charming prince like ? "
Daeron chuckled awkardly and replied, "Come inside. I'll show you around, and then we'll settle your companions."
The interior of the mansion was no less grand than its exterior. Daena's maids marveled at the intricate mosaics adorning the walls, while her guards appreciated the subtle but formidable defenses woven into the estate's design. Daeron introduced them to Nessa , who had taken over much of the estate's day-to-day operations.
Nessa curtsied with a faint smile. "You bring guests, my little dragon. And one with a particularly…interesting companion," she said, glancing at Albion. " Sob sob, It looks like i lost my chance before making a move. Ah, the sorrow!" She fake cried pitifully.
Daeron chuckled. " Yeah yeah, I'm a scum. Now stop before you scare off our guest. Daena, this is Nessa. She'll make sure you and your people are taken care of. I have some matters to attend to, but I'll return shortly."
Daena nodded. "Thank you, Daeron. For everything."
After Daeron was gone, Nessa have Daena a scrutinizing look. " So,are you two a thing now?"
Daena looked curiosly, " what thing?"
Nessa gave a dramatic sigh, " Oh my sweet summer child. I meant have you two already screwed each other, scratched the itch, took a roll in the hay , had a tumble in the bushes- whatever analogy you guys use for fucking."
Daena was shocked, she replied blushing with a high pitched tone, " We most certainly did not do anything of the sort! "
Nessa quipped back, " So, who's the father of that child!" as she pointed at Albion who tilted his head curiously.
Daena just gave up and replied, " You are annoying."
Nessa immediately replied back, " oh honey, you can't understand my charms."
Daeron left the estate and made his way to his command center, where his lieutenants—Orlen and Jax , and a few others—were waiting. Maps and reports cluttered the large table in the war room.
"Everything seems quiet," Orlen reported, leaning over the table. "Our spies report no significant moves from Volantis or the other Free Cities. The Shadow Council remains in hiding, though whispers suggest they're shifting resources eastward."
"And our forces?" Daeron asked, scanning the room.
"Growing stronger," Orlen replied. "The reforms you instituted have made the men more disciplined. We have around 7,000 soldiers with 3,000 recruits. We're ready for any challenge, my prince." Daeron nodded. It was gratifying to see his plans bear fruit. For now, Pentos was secure, and his ambitions had solidified its position as a bastion of stability and strength.
"So, when is the wedding my prince? " Orlen asked innocently from the side.
Daeron gave a sigh and replied, " Don't you start as well Orlen. I'm just helping Daena. She would be a good friend and valluable ally to have to settle down Essos faster."
Orlen looked at him with a weird look, " You mean to say you don't have a thing for the pretty princess with a dragon?"
Daeron awkardly replied," Hey, she is pretty, I'll give you that. But I'm not planning to settle down anytime soon. Not before I become a king at least. And she doesn't see me like that."
Orlen smirked, "You sure about that, my prince? From what I saw, she looks at you rather adoringly."
Daeron got up an said, " Stop this crap. I don't have time for love, I have wars to win."
A few weeks passed as Daeron prepared for his future endeavors. He checked all the progress Orlen made, met up with the archon Lorian, and spent some time walking among the streets of Pentos. He also practiced his swordsmanship with Zhao Yun.
*Flashback**
Zhao Yun slashed fiercely as Daeron ducked and slashed back, which he parried rather nimbly. Daeron gave a frustrated sigh as he spoke, " After 3 years of practice, and I still can't beat an old man."
Zha Yun coughed and replied, " I'm only in my 40's , Prince Daeron."
Daeron argued back, " Then why do you look 80 !"
Zhao Yun has a vein popped up as he continued attacking, and Daeron dodged them easily.
Daeron smirked, " Heh, I'm fast as fuck boi."
Zhao Yun instantly appeared behind him and whispered, " You were saying what?" to which Daeon just raised his hand in surrender.
Zhao Yun gave a grudging compliment as he left, " Your footwork, instincts and skills are pretty good. But you lack power and patience, maybe in 10 years you can beat me."
Daeron grinned and asked, " Does that mean I'll be that good?"
Zhao Yun replied simply, " No, because I'll probably be older and weaker, giving you a handicap."
**Flashback Ends**
Pentos was thriving. The spice trades going well and had a better distribution channel. The key reason for Daeron's take over. If people gets used to the spices and realize it makes food taste better, they will be addicted to it. That's when the economic power plays come in.
Nobles who live in luxury and enjoy the finest food, will not give up the improved taste, thus making them more reliant on trade with Pentos. There will be some trade agreements with non aggression policy, which will tie their hands. And if they still break it, He will have an excuse to attack.
After going around the city for a few days, Daeron was satisfied and announced to his future departure to Westeros for a few years to his council. He decided to take Nessa, Jax, and a hundred guards to accompany him. Nessa would be helpful for laying the information network while Jax will strategically erase some unwelcomed obstacles. He is there to witness the situation with his own eyes, and create some opportunities.